It is fair to say that Spanish boss Rafa Benitez has enjoyed a good start to life as Dalian Yifang boss.
However, Rafa’s revival of his new team is in major of derailing on Tuesday afternoon as his team travel to high-flying Guangzhou Evergrande.
Evergrande are gunning for the Chinese Super League title. They are currently second in the table, just two points behind leaders Beijing Guoan.
The home side has been in sensational form of late, winning their last eight league matches, with their attacking prowess being the key. Brazilian duo Paulinho and Talisca have been key to Guangzhou’s recent potency in front of goals, as both Samba stars have scored seven times in the Chinese top-flight this season.
Only leaders Beijing have scored more goals than the home sides 35 in the Chinese Super League this season. They will be a difficult opponent for the visitors to keep out.
Not only have the visitors improved under Benitez, but they are also now four games unbeaten in the Chinese top-flight. Their aim now will be to finish as high up the table as possible, as finishing in the Champions League spots currently looks unlikely.
Despite their position of seventh place, Dalian are 20 points behind the top three, so look unlikely to catch the teams currently occupying the AFC Champions League spots.
One of the things that the new boss of the visitors will look to improve in the coming months is their away form. They have won just three of their last 12 league games on their travels.
This clash is a true test of the visitors under Rafa Benitez. Forebet predicts that they will fall slightly short with the home side continuing their stellar form by recording a victory in a high-scoring clash.